1999 saw the significant expansion of CDTL’s pool of human resource and expertise. Apart from the appointment of a Deputy Director and eight Associate Directors last February (reported in CDTLink, Jul 1999), we are proud to introduce to you now our new CDTL Affiliates:

• A/Prof W. A. M. Alwis (Dept of Civil Engineering)
• Dr Gambhir Bhatta (Dept of Political Science)
• A/Prof Clive Briffett (School of Building & Real Estate)
• A/Prof Rethy Chhem (Dept of Diagnostic Radiology)
• Dr Audrey Chia (Dept of Organisational Behaviour)
• A/Prof David Chua (Dept of Civil Engineering)
• A/Prof J. B. X. Devotta (Dept of Electrical Engineering)
• A/Prof John Elliott (Dept of Social Work and Psychology)
• A/Prof Gan Cheong Eng (School of Building & Real Estate)
• Prof Goh Suat Hong (Dept of Chemistry)
• A/Prof Khoo Hoon Eng (Dept of Biochemistry)
• Dr Kwong Koon Shing (Dept of Statistics & Applied Probability)
• A/Prof Lee Kwok Hong (Dept of Mechanical & Production Engineering)
• A/Prof Lee Soo Teck (Dept of Mathematics)
• Dr Li Yi (Dept of Materials Science)
• A/Prof Lim Lum Peng (Dept of Preventive Dentistry)
• A/Prof Lin Jianyi (Dept of Physics)
• A/Prof Jeffrey Pinsler (Faculty of Law)
• Ms Shu Moo Yoong (Human Resource Management Unit)
• A/Prof Benito Tan (Dept of Biological Sciences)
• Dr Gary Tan (Dept of Computer Science)
• Mr Tan Tuck Choy (Dept of Computer Science)

Their appointments were made at the direction of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Chong Chi Tat, and the kind support of their respective Heads of Department, and is effective from October 1999 to December 2000. These Affiliates will serve as resource personnel and support CDTL’s work through such means as contributing their ideas and giving feedback on projects, as well as helping in CDTL’s training programmes. With regards to the Affiliates’ response to their appointments. A/Prof Rethy Chhem is “excited at the idea of contributing to the development and dissemination of teaching and learning experiences.” Dr Audrey Chia says, “What I like about the CDTL Affiliates Scheme is that it draws people from around NUS, and allows us to learn from one another.” Agrees Dr Gary Tan, “So far, the recipients of our teaching have only been students; hopefully with this Affiliates Scheme, staff members can also benefit from our experience.”

In the last year, 4 new support staff have also joined CDTL. They are:

• April 1999: Ms Christina Low, Publications Officer, who edits the various CDTL newsletters, student guides, and research papers;
  
• June 1999: Ms Elaine Chia, Research Assistant, who assists CDTL Associate Directors in their research projects;
  
• August 1999: Mr Ow Hong Cheng, Technical Support Officer, who provides IT support, maintains CDTL computers and assists in computer-related workshops; and
  
• September 1999: Mr Frederick Chew, Technical Support Officer (Video), who records seminars and workshops as well as edits video tapes for CDTL usage.

Remarks Christina, a former teacher, “My job is a perfect marriage of the 2 subjects that are closest to my heart—English and education. Though I no longer teach English, I am still involved in education and the usage of the language.” For Elaine, the attraction of working at CDTL is completely different: “Being situated on a hill and surrounded by greenery, CDTL is a workplace that enables me to be close to nature. It relaxes the mind and reduces stress.” With our additional staff and their positive attitudes, we at CDTL are more than ever ready to support NUS teaching staff and students in their teaching and learning experiences.